Chip Kelly Confident in Ducks

Annabel Stephan

07/26/2012

Oregon head coach Chip Kelly is positive about the future of the Ducks, even though a few key playmakers have left the program. Kelly talks top talent, quarterback battle, recruiting, and more in this 1-on-1 video interview from Pac-12 Media Day.

Even though the Ducks lost a few playmakers, namely running back LaMichael James and quarterback Darron Thomas, there is still plenty of talent left on Oregon's roster.

"We've got guys like Kenjon Barner, De'Anthony Thomas. Couple people have heard of him, he's not too shabby. Josh Huff is another kid I think is ready to have a breakout year for us. I don't think we're going to lack for playmakers," he said.

Kelly has yet to name a starting quarterback and doesn't have a time nailed down as to when he'll announce, but feels strongly that both Bryan Bennett and Marcus Mariota are capable of leading the offense.

"We've still got at least another twenty practices as we get through pre-season camp before we're going to figure out who that's going to be. When you make a big decision, you don't want to make it hastily. The great part about it is that I don't think it's a difficult decision; we've got two really talented guys. I don't think you could go wrong with either of them," he said.

The same is true for players on the other side of the ball.

With many defensive players returning, the head coach feels that there is potential for players to emerge in the college football world over the season.

Ultimately, with fall camp just around the corner, Kelly is eagerly anticipating hitting the field for another season.

"The fun part of our job is practicing and coaching and being on the field with our guys. That's what I'm most looking forward to," he said.

Even though the Ducks lost a few playmakers, namely running back LaMichael James and quarterback Darron Thomas, there is still plenty of talent left on Oregon's roster.

\"We've got guys like Kenjon Barner, De'Anthony Thomas. Couple people have heard of him, he's not too shabby. Josh Huff is another kid I think is ready to have a breakout year for us. I don't think we're going to lack for playmakers,\" he said.

Kelly has yet to name a starting quarterback and doesn't have a time nailed down as to when he'll announce, but feels strongly that both Bryan Bennett and Marcus Mariota are capable of leading the offense.

\"We've still got at least another twenty practices as we get through pre-season camp before we're going to figure out who that's going to be. When you make a big decision, you don't want to make it hastily. The great part about it is that I don't think it's a difficult decision; we've got two really talented guys. I don't think you could go wrong with either of them,\" he said.

The same is true for players on the other side of the ball.

With many defensive players returning, the head coach feels that there is potential for players to emerge in the college football world over the season.

Ultimately, with fall camp just around the corner, Kelly is eagerly anticipating hitting the field for another season.

\"The fun part of our job is practicing and coaching and being on the field with our guys. That's what I'm most looking forward to,\" he said.